As of April 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Paramedic in the United States is $23, which translates to an annual salary of about $48,145.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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A Paramedic's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Paramedic's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician | 1-3 years | $40,071 |
| Paramedic | 3-5 years | $48,145 |
| EMT/Paramedic Supervisor | 5+ years | $65,467 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Paramedics. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | 3.03% |
| CPR | 5.47% |
| Advanced Cardiac Life Support | 3.61% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Interpersonal Relationships
|
$54,404 |
13%
|
|
Troubleshooting
|
$51,515 |
7%
|
|
Personnel Management
|
$51,034 |
6%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$51,034 |
6%
|
|
Active Learning
|
$49,589 |
3%
|
|
Critical Care
|
$49,589 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Paramedics enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Paramedic with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $47,576 and $50,406).
Paramedic Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 42.2% |
| Associates | 36.9% |
| Bachelors | 17.1% |
| Masters | 2.9% |
| Doctorate | 0.7% |
Understanding how a Paramedic's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on April 01, 2026Salaries for a Paramedic can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $46,402 in 2023 to around $46,535 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Paramedic salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $46,402 |
| 2024 | $46,781 |
| 2025 | $46,535 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Paramedic and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Provides emergency advanced life support care to patients who are ill and/or injured. Conducts patient assessment to determine the extent of an illness or injury and to establish and prioritize medical procedures to follow. Performs life support procedures or administers oxygen. Dispenses antiseptic solution to prevent infection, starts and administers intravenous fluids. Performs other emergency medical procedures needed to stabilize patient during transport. Provides an update on patient's condition and status of treatments when transferring to other medical personnel. May require registry in NREMT. Typically requires an associate degree in an accredited paramedic program. Requires Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Requires Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) - Basic. Typically reports to a manager. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.
Specify the abilities and skills that a person needs in order to carry out the specified job duties. Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.
Critical Thinking: Questioning, analyzing and evaluating various alternatives and situations to draw a rational conclusion independently.
CPR: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) combines rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth) and chest compressions to temporarily pump enough blood to the brain until specialized treatment is available.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support: It is used to provide urgent treatment to cardiac emergencies such as cardiac arrest, stroke, myocardial infarction, and other conditions.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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